ton house in Westhaven.

Miss Frean in her own little House in the Woods gently reproached Tory
now and then for her lack of interest in books. Perhaps neither one of
them could understand that pictures were what she cared for intensely.
The pictures need not of necessity be of the character that hang upon
walls. Tory was seeing pictures at this moment which were affording
her the deepest pleasure.

If only she had her neglected sketch book in her hands!

Bent over his book Lance's head would have made an interesting sketch
even if she were unable to obtain a satisfactory likeness.

Then Tory forgot Lance and the outward objects surrounding her. The
words he was reading aloud were creating a beautiful image in her
mind. She seemed able to see "The Princess Nausicaa, fair as the
Immortals."

Her companion read on:

"So the night passed away, and the young dawn appeared on her glorious
throne and awakened the princess."

With a bang Lance closed his book.

"Stop dreaming, Tory Drew. You scarcely know I am present and I want
you to be particularly sensible and attentive to what I am going to
say. I suppose you know I have been reading the story of the Odyssey,
since you told me Miss Frean had read it to you early in the summer."

Tory laughed. For all his quietness and apparent gentleness Lance's
nature was more domineering than most persons appreciated. Their
friends believed that Don ruled in the intimate friendship between the
two brothers. More often than not they were mistaken.

"We have been having a great time at our Scout camp, Tory. Hope you
girls have had as good! I have enjoyed the summer a lot better than I
expected. I know I have improved in the drilling and a few other
things. Lucky for me that I am fond of a few outdoor sports; keeps up
my end in the Scout proficiency tests!"

"All right, Lance, but why don't you come to the point? I know it is
hard for you to have to give your time and energy to so many things
and never be allowed to study the music you love. But then, of course,
your father knows best. I can understand his not wishing you to be a
musician," Tory added hastily, fearing she might appear to be
criticising the doctor whom she loved and admired. "I can appreciate
your father saying that with six sons and a daughter and he only a
small town physician, he never could afford to let you have the
musical education you would require."

"All right, Tory, no use going into that subject n